Having been given that public trust, we have a responsibility to

"Having been given that public trust, we have a responsibility to share with the public." These words, spoken by Steven Squyres, hold a deep and timeless wisdom about trust, responsibility, and the sacred duty that those who hold power or knowledge owe to the people they serve. In this declaration, Squyres acknowledges that when a person or group is entrusted with something of great importance, they must not hoard it for themselves but share it openly and transparently with the larger community. Trust, once granted, is not just a privilege—it is a sacred bond that requires honesty, openness, and a commitment to the greater good.

In the ancient world, the concept of public trust was foundational to the role of rulers and leaders. Pericles, the Athenian general and statesman, understood the deep responsibility that came with his leadership. He spoke of the duty of leaders to act in the best interests of the people, not to further their own wealth or glory, but to secure the welfare of the entire city-state. Pericles believed that the trust placed in him by the citizens of Athens came with the obligation to make decisions that benefited all, not just the powerful few. Like Squyres, Pericles recognized that leadership is not about control, but about service. The trust of the people must be respected by sharing knowledge, resources, and power with them.

The Roman Republic also held public trust in high regard. Cicero, the renowned orator and statesman, often spoke about the duties of those who held office. For Cicero, the role of a public servant was to act as a steward of the people’s trust. When elected, a leader was not simply given power for personal gain but entrusted with the responsibility to act with the good of the republic in mind. Cicero’s speeches emphasized that leaders must share not just their power but their wisdom with the public, for they were accountable not only to the Senate or the elite but to the very citizens who had placed them in power. In this way, Cicero understood that the public trust was a living contract that required ongoing transparency and service to the community.

One of the most powerful examples of sharing public trust comes from the story of George Washington, the first President of the United States. After leading the American Revolution to victory, Washington was offered near monarchical powers by many of his contemporaries, yet he refused to consolidate power. He stepped down after two terms, demonstrating a deep commitment to the principles of democracy and public service. His decision to share power and return to private life was grounded in his understanding that the trust of the people was not to be abused for personal gain. Washington’s actions solidified his legacy as a leader who placed the welfare of the nation above his own interests, thus embodying the very idea that Squyres espouses—that once given trust, it must be shared for the good of all.

In our modern age, the importance of sharing public trust is just as pressing. Consider the work of NASA and the Mars exploration efforts led by Steven Squyres himself. The public trust placed in scientists, engineers, and leaders in such endeavors is immense, for they are entrusted with the knowledge and resources of nations. The exploration of Mars, while a monumental achievement, was not something to be kept behind closed doors. Instead, the discoveries made by the rovers sent to Mars were shared openly with the world, because Squyres and his colleagues understood that such achievements belonged to everyone. The knowledge gained was a shared treasure, not just for the elite or those directly involved in the mission, but for the people of Earth to celebrate, learn from, and use to shape the future.

Squyres’s words remind us that when we are entrusted with something valuable—whether it be knowledge, power, or responsibility—it is our duty to share it. To keep such gifts to ourselves is to betray the trust placed in us. The knowledge gained through study, experience, or leadership must be used for the benefit of all, not hoarded for personal gain. This lesson can be applied to all walks of life. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a business leader, or a government official, the trust you hold is not yours alone. It belongs to the community, and it is your responsibility to share what you know and help those around you rise to their full potential.

The lesson from Squyres and the great figures of history is clear: when we are given public trust, we are called to be stewards of that trust, not possessors of it. We must share what we know, provide transparency, and offer guidance to those who look to us for direction. Whether we lead in the public sphere or in our personal lives, we must always remember that trust is not a possession, but a bond—a bond that must be nurtured, honored, and shared. In this way, we can build communities, nations, and societies where knowledge, power, and resources are used for the greater good, ensuring that the trust placed in us is never broken, but strengthened for generations to come.

Let us, then, remember that the trust we hold is not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of all. Whether we are entrusted with power, knowledge, or responsibility, we are called to share it generously. When we do so, we honor the sacred duty that has been placed in us, ensuring that the trust of the people is upheld and that the world we help shape is one built on justice, integrity, and shared knowledge.